Year of the Monkey
I had a very special evening last night at the Kennedy Center. Once again, I saw that culture has no boundaries and can inspire and unite people from around the globe. Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra was visiting from China to perform at the Kennedy Center to celebrate the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Monkey. Maestro Muhai Tang conducted. The orchestra was short one violinist. Patricia Lee, my fellow violinist and former Manhattan School of Music classmate, recommended me
Living in Wonderland
Culture not only brings us beauty, inspiration, hope and excitement, but it can also take us into a wonderland with lasting sense of euphoria. We East Coast premiered Christopher Wheeldon’s ballet “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” with The National Ballet of Canada at the Kennedy Center this week. Everything about this production is magical! The set, the choreography, the costumes, the music… MAGIC! “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” was commissioned by The Royal Ballet and
Perfect Harmony
Washington National Opera’s Director of Artistic Operations Christina Scheppelmann will be leaving us at the end of November after more than ten years with the company… Just one year ago, I was very sad to say goodbye to Maestro Domingo from WNO after his 15-year tenure. Placido Domingo is responsible for elevating the Washington National Opera to one of the world’s top tier companies. His passion, musicianship, professionalism, perfectionism and idealism will be missed! He
Unification Through Music
For many years, people have found inspiration, unity, and hope from music and the arts. And there is something magical about hearing familiar tunes. When I hear or play a well-known piece, I have a calm feeling of nostalgia and peacefulness. I am inspired and hopeful, and am drawn closer to those around me. Saturday was our opening performance at the Kennedy Center of the famous Verdi opera Nabucco. Even though the Washington National Opera (WNO) is one of the major opera c
Culture Saves
Culture unites people from around the world and can give them hope and inspiration. In January, I played in the Kennedy Center Orchestra in the US debut of a new symphony entitled Hannibal Barca. We played to a full house of over 1,000 people! The Embassy of Tunisia and the Tunisian Ministry of Culture hosted this momentous event, which commemorated the one-year anniversary of their country’s Revolution. Also known as the Jasmine Revolution, this triggered the unrest in many
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